Optima est lex, quae minimum relinquit arbitrio judicis. That is the best system of law which confides¹ as little as possible to the discretion² of the judge. Bac. De Aug. Sci. Aph. 46.

Optimam esse legem, quae minimum relinquit arbitrio judicis; id quod certitudo ejus praestat. That law is the best which leaves the least discretion to the judge; and this is an advantage which results from certainty. Bacon, De Aug. Sc. Aph. 8.

Optimus judex, qui minimum sibi. He is the best judge who relies as little as possible on his own discretion. Bac. De Aug. Sci. Aph. 46.

Optimus interpretandi modus est sic legis interpretare ut leges legibus accordant. The best mode of interpreting laws isto make them accord. 8 Co. 169.

Optimus interpres rerum usus. Usage is the best interpretor of things. 2 Inst. 282.

Optimus legum interpres consuetudo. Custom is the best interpretor of laws. 4 Inst. 75.

Ordine placitandi servato, servatur et jus. The order of pleading being preserved, the law is preserved. Co. Litt. 363.

Origo rei inspici debet. The origin of a thing ought to be inquired into. 1 Co. 99.

Paci sunt maxime contraria, vis et injuria. Force and wrong are greatly contrary to peace. Co. Litt. 161.

Pacta privata juri publico derogare non possunt. Private contracts cannot derogate³ from the public law. 7 Co. 23.

Pacto aliquod licitum est, quid sine pacto non admittitur. By a contract something is permitted, which, without it, could not be admitted. Co. Litt. 166.

Par⁴ in parem imperium non habet. An equal has no power over an equal. Jenk. Cent. 174. Example: One of two judges of the same court cannot commit the other for contempt.

Paria copulantur paribus. Things unite with similar things.

paribus sententiis reus absolvitur. When opinions are equal, a defendant⁵ is acquitted⁶. 4 Inst. 64.

Parte quacumque integranta sublata, tollitur totum. An integral part being taken away, the whole is taken away. 3 Co. 41.